The Toronto Seniors Strategy The Toronto Seniors Strategy

The Toronto Seniors Strategy
Towards an Age-Friendly City

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The Demographic Imperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Summary of Public Consultations . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Age-Friendly Cities & Communities . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Design for the young The Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
and you exclude the old. Accountability & Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Design for the old and
Respect & Social Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
you include everyone. Civic Engagement, Volunteering & Employment . . . 43
Social Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Bernard Issacs Community Support & Health Services . . . . . . . . 57
Geriatrician
Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Communications & Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
1 . Introduction
Over the next decade, the number of seniors living in

Toronto will increase dramatically . It is important that the
City of Toronto, and its Agencies, Boards, Corporations and
Divisions (ABCDs), prepare for this demographic shift . This is
important to help Toronto remain a safe, navigable, affordable,
accessible and enjoyable city for everyone .
In April 2011, Councillor Josh Matlow A social movement to prevent and
(Ward 22, St . Paul’s) brought forward a discourage ageism and enhance respect
motion to City Council directing staff to for older persons is growing across
develop a Seniors Strategy that builds Toronto and around the world . The
on the existing work of the City and its Toronto Seniors Strategy is an active
partners, as well as current research response to the movement to build and
and best practices . The motion was sustain an accessible, equitable and just
unanimously adopted by City Council . society for all . The Strategy identifies
1
the direction and recommendations that Stakeholder Consultations Timeline
will address the diverse needs of its older
residents by embedding the values of 2011 April 12, 2011
Council direction to develop Strategy
respect, dignity, diversity, independence
and equity in all its policies, programs and 2012 May 17, 2012
Input from Seniors Strategy
services .
Subcommittee of
Community Development and
Recreation Committee
Developing the Strategy
May 24, 2012
The Strategy was developed in six stages: Public consultation opens
SPRINT event with Councillor Josh Matlow
1 . Seniors Strategy Subcommittee of
the Community Development and June 19, 2012
First Seniors Expert Panel meeting
Recreation Committee of City Council
established (see Acknowledgements June 28, 2012
Toronto Seniors’ Forum Event
for a list of members);
Our Time is Now: Listening to Seniors
2 . prior City reports related to seniors in Toronto
and implementation status of
October 31, 2012
any recommendations reviewed; Public consultation closes
demographic analysis conducted;
December 7, 2012
strategies and best practices in other Seniors Expert Panel Roundtable
major municipalities researched;
2013 February 15, 2013
Seniors Expert Panel Roundtable
2 The Toronto Seniors Strategy

Introduction
3 . Senior Management Steering Committee and a Staff Technical Working Group established
representing 17 City Agencies, Boards, Corporations and Divisions;
4 . Seniors Expert Panel formed consisting of 33 leaders from the community, universities,
business, medical and seniors’ advocacy organizations (see Acknowledgements);
5 . stakeholders engaged using a consultation workbook, and specialized consultation events
held; and
6 . principles developed and recommendations identified to reflect the feedback from the
consultation process .
The Toronto Seniors Strategy has been developed to identify recommendations

for action that are:
Linked to
Practical Achievable Measurable specific
outcomes
The development and implementation of The Toronto Seniors Strategy recognizes that the City
of Toronto is in a time of fiscal constraint . All three orders of government are looking to achieve
better results with limited resources .
This Strategy is strategically linked to a number of other key City initiatives, including the
Toronto Newcomer Strategy, the Recreation Service Plan, Housing Opportunities Toronto, and
The Toronto Seniors Strategy 3

the Guide to Good Practice: Providing Seniors Strategy . The provincial strategy,
Equitable Service to Individuals of All under the leadership of Dr . Samir K .
Abilities . The Strategy aligns with the Sinha, resulted in the report: Living
City of Toronto’s efforts to respond to Longer, Living Well . Dr . Sinha was also
the Pedestrian Death Review conducted a member of the City’s Seniors Expert
by the Office of the Chief Coroner for Panel, so opportunities for discussion,
Ontario . The Strategy is also in alignment knowledge exchange and alignment
with current service planning initiatives in between the City’s and the Province’s
other City ABCDs . strategies were frequently supported and
prioritized .
Another important area of alignment is
the mandatory accessibility standards for
Previous Work
people with disabilities being developed
under the Accessibility for Ontarians with This initiative is not the first to address
Disabilities Act . The City, local businesses the issues of older Torontonians . From
and other organizations will need to previous reports dating back to 1999,
work in partnership with the Province to 245 prior City recommendations were
become more accessible and inclusive . made relating to older adults or seniors in
Toronto . Initiatives under the City’s control
Partnerships are particularly important
had a much higher rate of implementation
to the use of resources . While the City of
than requests governed by provincial or
Toronto was developing this Strategy, the
federal jurisdictions . For this reason, the
Province of Ontario launched a provincial
focus of this Strategy is on actions that
are within the City’s power to enact .

Introduction
The Role of the City of Toronto Service Planning Principles

for an Age-Friendly Toronto
Many of the services older Torontonians
rely on are provided, directly or indirectly, A service plan approach sets out key
by the provincial or federal governments principles to guide future decisions
and their agencies . Health care, home regarding funding priorities and service
and community care, the Canada Pension improvements . These principles provide
Plan, and Old Age Security are just some direction for the planning, management
examples . and delivery of services, initiatives,
programs and investments for older
Ultimately, decisions regarding these Torontonians . This Strategy reflects four
services are made by the provincial key service planning principles that guide
and federal governments . The City of City decision-making and priority-setting .
Toronto will continue to engage other
orders of governments on behalf of Service Planning Principles
older Torontonians with regards to these
services . But the primary focus of The Equity Respect
Toronto Seniors Strategy will be on issues
that fall within the City’s authority to plan,
manage and deliver . Seniors Strategy
Inclusion Quality
of Life

Principle 1: Equity Principle 3: Respect
Older adults should have equitable access to The contribution of older adults to the life
services and programs . and vibrancy of Toronto should be valued and
respected .
The unique needs of Toronto’s diverse older
population should be met . In keeping with the The experience and contribution of older
City of Toronto’s Vision Statement on Access, Torontonians to their communities should be
Equity and Diversity, older Torontonians should recognized and reflected in the way they are
be treated fairly regardless of their race, ancestry, regarded . Older adults should always be treated
place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, disability, with dignity and should be made to feel valued,
citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender heard and appreciated .
identity, same sex partnership, age, marital status,
family status, immigrant status, receipt of social
assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation,
level of literacy, language and/or socioeconomic
status . The goal of the City of Toronto is to achieve
access and equality of outcomes for all residents .
Principle 2: Inclusion Principle : Quality of Life

The social and physical connectedness of Older adults in Toronto should be supported
Toronto should be enriched by facilitating so that they may enjoy a higher level of health
older adults’ participation in city life . and wellbeing .
Older Torontonians should have the opportunity to Older Torontonians should be able to live healthy,
participate in and contribute to their communities . independent, active lives . The City should consider
Intergenerational connections should be the quality of services that it is providing to older
encouraged and social isolation should be residents that address older adults’ unique and
prevented . varied needs .

Introduction
Who is an Older Adult?
There is no single definition of who is an older adult . Programs and services within
the City and from other governments have different definitions reflecting different
operational requirements . More importantly, our consultations confirmed that a strict
definition of older adulthood is viewed as stigmatizing and does not reflect the reality
of what being an older adult means . Older adulthood can easily include people in their
fifties, while the eldest of Toronto’s residents may be far more active and independent
than many may commonly perceive .
In response to evolving experiences of aging, a global movement, led by the World

Health Organization, is spreading across municipalities to move beyond strict definitions
of older adulthood (WHO, 2007) . Cities are developing “age-friendly” environments in
which people of all ages, needs and capacities have accessible and inclusive access to
programs and services .
The demographic analysis contained in this document adopts the WHO’s age-friendly
approach by defining older adulthood as a general stage of life rather than a specifically
delineated age group . Data on people 55 years of age and older are used in the analysis
whenever possible to provide a broad overview of the demographic diversity of older
Torontonians . In other cases, available data limits demographic analysis to people 65
years of age and older .

2 . The Demographic Imperative
Older adults are a significant and growing part of the
population in the Toronto . Over the past 0 years, the
number of older adults living in the city of Toronto has
increased by over 200,000 .
By comparison, the number of people the City’s Flashforward research study

under 30 years has decreased by over (Flashforward, 2006) and a study in
135,000 . Today, based on 2011 Census support of the Ministry of Infrastructure’s
figures, there are 680,945 adults over Growth Plan (Hemson, 2012), expect
the age of 55 years in Toronto . These that older adults will make up a larger
residents represent about one quarter of percentage of Toronto’s population . By
the total population (Figure 2 .1) . 2041, Hemson forecasts that there will be
approximately 1 .2 million adults 55 years
The growth in the older adult population and older in Toronto (Figure 2 .2) . There
is also expected to accelerate in coming is a clear demographic imperative to
years . Multiple estimates, including address the needs of older Torontonians .
8
The Demographic Imperative
Population of Toronto Forecasted Percent of Total Population

Number of People (thousands)
40
Population (2011) Current Population Forecast
(2011) (Hemson Consulting)
30 2,615,060 1.2 million
1.1 million people
900,610 people
20 5%
people 3%
680,945
people 3%
10 Pop. 55+ 7% 9%
2% 5%
0
26% 5%
9% 11% 10%
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
7%
Age
Age Groups (as percentage of total population)

12% 13% 12% 12%
55- 64 years 65-74 years
12% 303,500
people 7% 188,640
people
2011 2021 2031 2041
Population forecasts are from Hemson 85+ years

75-84 years 85+ years Consulting Ltd. in support of Ministry
of Infrastructure’s Proposed 75-84 years
5% 133,840
people 2% 54,965
people
Amendment 2 to the Growth Plan for
the Greater Golden Horseshoe. 65-74 years
55-64 years
Figure 2 .1 Figure 2 .2
Like many municipalities in Canada, older adults make Estimates from multiple agencies forecast significant
up a sizable portion of the population of Toronto . growth in Toronto’s older adult population .
Source: Statistics Canada 2011 Census Source: Statistics Canada 2011 Census, Hemson Consulting Ltd . 2012

Population Growth
The growth of the older adult population is driven by two main factors (Figures 2 .3 and 2 .4) . First,
the life expectancy of Canadians has increased significantly, from 71 .1 years in the 1960s to 80 .8
years in 2009 (World Bank, 2013) . As result, the number of people over the age of 80 is growing
faster than any other age group in Toronto . The second factor is the “baby boom” generation,
people born between 1946 and 1964, who are now between the ages of 55 and 64 .
As the number of older people living in Toronto increases, the City will need to address the
increased demand for services for older adults . More than this, these services will need to
accommodate a variety of expectations and experiences given the broad diversity that exists
within this age group .
Change in Population by 5-Year Age Group (2001-2011) Figure 2 .3

80+ years of age
Since 2001, the
+60%
55-64 years of age fastest growing
52% parts of Toronto’s
+40% 38% 37% population are its
37%
oldest residents
and those
+20% between the ages
of 55 and 64 .
0 Source:
Statistics Canada,
2001 and 2011 Census
-20%
65-69
15-19
45-49
60-64
55-59
40-44
50-54
80-84
35-39
10-14
30-34
20-24
25-29
75-79
70-74
85+
0-4
5-9
5-Year Age Groups

Population Change (2001-2011) in Older Adult Population 55+
Change in Population
−165 to 0
1 to 550
551 to 815
816 to 1,100
1,101 to 6,180
Figure 2 .
The number of adults 55 years and older has increased in all but one of Toronto’s neighbourhoods .
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 and 2011 Census

Prepared by: City of Toronto Social Development Finance & Administration Division, Social Policy, Analysis & Research Unit

Adults 85+ Living Alone
Figure 2 .5
Adults 85 years and
older and living alone
are located in many
neighbourhoods
across Toronto .
Source:
Statistics Canada, 2011
Census
Prepared by:
10 to 55 persons City of Toronto Social
Development Finance &
56 to 105 Administration Division,
Social Policy, Analysis &
106 to 155 Research Unit
156 to 230
231 to 560
Living Arrangements
Living alone can compound the risk of social isolation . According to recent Census data, over
one in five adults (22%) 55 years and older live alone . That number is double for the oldest of
Torontonians, with almost half (44%) of those 85 years and older living alone (Figure 2 .5) . Notably,
72% of adults 65 years and older are women .
A significant proportion of people experiencing homelessness are older adults . According to the
2009 Street Needs Assessment, almost one-fifth of the homeless population in Toronto was over
the age of 50 .

Activity Limitations (2005-2010)

Percentage of Toronto Residents
Health and Activity
80 76
Limitations
70
60 Older adults are more likely than the rest
49
44 of the population to have health-related
40
33 30
20
issues . Around 70% of Torontonians
14
17 17
12
80 years and older report a disability
0
12-24 25-44 45-64 65-79 80 years

or activity limitation that has lasted or
years years years years and over
is expected to last six months or more
Female Male (Figure 2 .6) . Almost 40% of Toronto
Figure 2 . residents 75 years and older describe
Older Torontonians are more likely to experience activity
limitations or disabilities . their health as either “fair” or “poor”
Source: CCHS combined waves 2007/08 and 2009/10, CRICH (Figure 2 .7) .
Self-Reported Health Older adults under the age of 80 report

Poor 15% 10% Excellent significantly better health . Less than half
20% Very Good of Toronto’s residents between the ages
of 65 and 79 report physical or mental
75+
years disabilities . Over half (55%) of those
Fair 24% under 75 describe their health as “very
31% Good good” or “excellent .”
Figure 2 .7
More than a third of Toronto residents over the age of 75
describe their health as “poor” or “fair” .
Source: 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey

Income Older Adult Income Distribution
Number of Familes with Adults 65+

Many older Torontonians have low incomes .
60 thousand
In 2009, over 114,000 Toronto families with at
least one member 65 years or older were at 50
or below Statistics Canada’s two-person low- 40

income cut-off (LICO) measure of $29,000
30
(Figure 2 .8) .
20
Whether by choice or necessity, it is not
10
surprising that increasing numbers of older
0
adults are working beyond retirement age .
$30k-39k
$10k-14k
$15k-19k
$45k-49k
$50k-54k
$55k-59k
$60k-74k
$75k-99k
$100k+
Under $10k
$20k-24k
$25k-29k
$40k-44k
Since the end of mandatory retirement in
Ontario in 2006, the number of adults 65
years and older participating in the work
Total Family Income
force has more than doubled . There were
52,000 adults 65 years and older participating
Figure 2 .8
in the workforce in 2011, compared to only
114,360 families with at least one member 65 years of
24,400 in 2006, according to Statistics age or older have incomes below Statistics Canada’s
Canada’s Labour Force Survey . two-person low-income cut-off of $29,880 .
Source: Statistics Canada Income Statistics Division 2009
Consistent with this trend, the number of

unemployed older adults has also increased .
In 2011, there were 3,000 unemployed adults
65 and over, compared to 1,900 in 2006 .

Linguistic Diversity Newcomer older adults are a particularly

important and sizable group in Toronto .
Similar to the city’s population in general, In 2006, there were 40,340 immigrants
older Torontonians are linguistically 55 years and older who had arrived in
diverse . According to the 2011 Census, over Canada within the last 10 years .
a third (37%) of adults 55 and over spoke
a non-official language on a regular basis More recent 2011 data from Citizenship
at home . This linguistic diversity is most and Immigration Canada shows that
prominent in the oldest age cohorts . Of an average of 8,768 permanent and
Toronto residents 75 years and older, 42% temporary residents 55 years and older
spoke a non-official language at home . land in the City of Toronto every year .
These numbers are significant because,

Immigrants and Newcomers
compared to other immigrant seniors and
The 2006 Census found that 68% of Canadian-born older adults, newcomer
Torontonians 55 years and older were older adults are more likely to be visible
immigrants . This percentage is higher than minorities, have lower income, have less
for any other age group in Toronto . It is positive health and are less likely to speak
also more than double the proportion of one of the official languages .
older adults who are immigrants in either
Vancouver or Montreal .

Conclusion
Similar to communities around the world, Vulnerability is the result of the interaction
there is a clear demographic imperative in between the challenges a person
Toronto to address the issues facing older faces and the resources that they can
adults . Where Toronto’s experience will be access when facing those challenges .
unique is in its high level of diversity . Vulnerability includes poverty, structural
inequality, social networks and social
The City must recognize the increased supports, personal limitations, and
vulnerability that exists when such factors physical location .
as immigration, linguistic diversity,
disability, and sexual orientation intersect The City of Toronto must ensure that
with the challenges of aging . its programs and supports respect
the different lived experiences of
On its own, each factor can create obstacles older Torontonians . Addressing these
to accessing necessary programs and intersecting challenges and obstacles will
services in Toronto . Combined, these ensure that Toronto can become an age-
factors can magnify the vulnerability that friendly city that is inclusive of everyone .
an older adult faces on a daily basis .

3 . Summary of Public Consultations
Consultations with stakeholders took place between

May 2 and October 31, 2012 . Toronto’s residents had the
opportunity to submit their suggestions and concerns using
a consultation workbook . Feedback from this consultation
shaped the development of The Toronto Seniors Strategy .
The consultation workbook was translated

There has to be more support put in
into 11 languages and was distributed
place to assist seniors in remaining in
online through City networks, community- their own homes.
based organizations and the Toronto
Seniors’ Forum .
[It’s] important not to forget that a large
In total, 524 completed workbooks majority of older adults are capable,
were submitted . Some workbooks were active, independent and a resource to the
completed by individuals, but many were community. We are part of the solution as
also completed by groups working and well as the ‘problem.’
talking together .
17
Respondents’ comments can be grouped
into two main perspectives . Some
Methodology
comments emphasized the need for
income and social supports to assist Responses:
people as they grow older . In particular, 524 completed workbooks
many emphasized the need to serve
the most marginalized and vulnerable Languages:
members of the older adult population . Workbook translated into Chinese,
Other respondents challenged existing Farsi, French, Italian, Korean,
stereotypes by arguing that older adults Portuguese, Russian, Spanish,
are still active, healthy, and capable of Tagalog, Tamil, and Urdu
contributing to their communities .
Distribution:
Paper copies distributed to libraries,
seniors-serving organizations, and
My goal and that of most seniors
community health centres . Online at
whom I know is to be able to stay in
www .toronto .ca .
my home and neighbourhood and
be as independent as possible for as
long as possible. For this, I need home
support, good health and the ability to
get around.

Summary of Public Consultations
Themes & Priorities Themes & Priorities

Safety Civic Engagement The consultation workbook asked
Recreation
& Security 3%
& Community 5% Health respondents to identify their priorities
Programs (including 28% from a list of seven different themes .
Libraries)
9% Of these, almost three-quarters of
respondents identified health, housing,
or transportation as one of their top three
Accessibility
9% priorities (Figure 3 .1) .
Respondents mentioned that the themes

were all important . Many commented
that the themes were interconnected
and that improving services in one area
Transportation
20% Housing inevitably had an impact on services in
26% other areas . Overall, 92% of respondents
who answered the question indicated that
Figure 3 .1
at least one of “these themes represent
Respondents were asked to “circle your top 3
priorities .” This graph shows how often each theme [their] concerns .”
was mentioned .
All of these are important needs in

most seniors’ lives…each of these are
essential for a seniors strategy.

Primary Concerns
For each theme, respondents tended to

identify very specific, personal issues
they care about, as opposed to broad
comments about service delivery .
For example, some individuals who
commented on housing highlighted a
specific issue within their housing unit .
Despite the personal nature of the

responses, there were clear priorities
under each of the seven program areas,
summarized in Table 3 .1 .
Other Comments
Participants did not limit their comments

to the prescribed themes . Three other
Figure 3 .2
broad themes also emerged from the
The Seniors Strategy Consultation Workbook .
consultation workbook .

Theme Primary Concerns

Health • Mental health & isolation
• Health promotion & disease prevention
• Affordable dental, eye care, prescription medications
Housing • Aging in place, staying independent at home
• Developing more home and community care services
• Supporting long-term care homes
Transportation • Transit accessibility
• Cost of transportation
• Transportation safety
Recreation & Community Programs • Costs of programs
(including Libraries) • Opportunities to network and socialize
• Education and classes for seniors
Safety & Security • Elder abuse
• Fear of crime
• Physical safety
Accessibility • Physical accessibility
• Language accessibility
Civic Engagement • Promoting greater consultation and inclusion in the process
• Avoiding the segregation of older residents
Table 3 .1
Common issues raised under each program area theme .

Communications & Information Service Levels
Who can seniors contact if they need How can the city support seniors on
help? Is there someone in charge of very fixed incomes?
‘Seniors’ Affairs?’
Service levels were also raised as an
issue as part of a broader concern for
Respondents who commented on the older Torontonians with low incomes .
communication of services focused Respondents commenting on service
primarily on a lack of knowledge about levels focused on a lack of available space
what services were already available in programs, the need for facilities and
for older Torontonians . Some attributed meeting spaces to engage with other
this to a lack of promotion . Others linked older adults, and the high costs associated
the lack of awareness of services to the with travelling to and accessing services .
lack of a single unified contact point to
help navigate the services available to Diversity & Respect
them . Many also highlighted the need to
Seniors do not want to be segregated. We
promote services in languages other than want to be included as an important part
English, and to avoid relying heavily on of the city. We want to contribute making
websites as a sole source of information . this a better city.
Comments related to ensuring respect

for older persons focused on recognizing
the contributions of the full diversity of

older Torontonians, including newcomers, Panel of 33 leaders from community,

people with disabilities, and people from academic, medical and seniors’ advocacy
all cultural backgrounds . Respondents organizations . The second was the Toronto
also highlighted the unique needs of older Seniors’ Forum, a group that works to
persons in the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, engage seniors in Toronto in the working
Transgender, Transsexual, Queer and Two of local government . The feedback
Spirited (LGBTTQ2S) community who received in these meetings strongly
feel they must “go back in the closet” due reinforced the concerns and priorities
to a lack of awareness of and sensitivity heard throughout the public consultation
to LGBTTQ2S issues among older process .
Torontonians . More broadly, respondents
warned against segregating older adults, The feedback also contained vital strategic
and called for policies and programs that advice . The need to ensure accountability
led to their greater inclusion in society . and leadership in the implementation of
this Strategy was one key suggestion .
Members of the Expert Panel and
Expert Panel and Toronto
Toronto Seniors’ forum suggested that
Seniors’ Forum
recommendations should be specific,
Complementing the public consultation clear, and implementable . As part of this
process were a series of meetings with approach, they called for timely monitoring
two groups (see Acknowledgements for of the Strategy to clearly identify whether the
a list of members) . First was an Expert recommendations have been implemented .

Members also emphasized the need for Conclusion
strong leadership from both City Council
and staff . This stewardship would ensure Participants in the consultation process
that the Strategy continues to serve as called for an age-friendly approach to
a living document defining the City’s service delivery . This approach would
ongoing approach to developing an age- support people of all ages, including
friendly Toronto . Toronto’s older adults, in living
active, socially engaged, healthy, and
Finally, participants highlighted independent lives .
community partnerships as an important
element in implementing the Strategy’s They emphasized the need to continuously
goals . Key partners include, but are seek input from older Torontonians and
not limited to, provincial and federal to include them in the policy-making and
governments, private sector, not-for-profit service delivery processes . Respondents
agencies, and community organizations . also called for a collaborative approach
The provincial and federal governments among service providers and all
are both currently developing and governments in order to better serve
implementing strategic plans to address older adults now and into the future .
an aging population . Expert Panel and
Toronto Seniors’ Forum members strongly
recommended aligning this Strategy with
these other older adult initiatives .

. Age-Friendly Cities & Communities
To ensure alignment with the efforts of other

communities in Canada and around the world, The
Toronto Seniors Strategy has been organized using
the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for
age-friendly cities .
The WHO has provided practical With early support from the Public Health
leadership on making cities age-friendly . Agency of Canada, the WHO developed
The WHO framework is based on the idea its Global Age-Friendly Cities Project to
of active aging, defined as maximizing help cities deal with the dramatic rise in
“opportunities for health, participation their older populations . Research was
and security in order to enhance quality of conducted in 33 cities around the world,
life as people age” (WHO, 2007) . leading to the identification of eight themes
related to a community’s age-friendliness .
25
WHO Age-Friendly Themes
Most cities in Ontario have followed the
WHO’s framework . Ottawa was an early
participant in the project, serving as a test
Tra
g
site for the project’s research . London,
ns
usin
po
Hamilton, and Waterloo, among others,
Ho
rta
tio
have also modelled their Age-friendly Out n
atio
n
d
and oor sp cip
strategies on the WHO framework . buil aces arti
ding ial p
s Age- Soc
The themes that the City of Toronto used friendly
rt city R
in its consultation are very compatible su ppo
es soc espect
nity servic ial i
u ncluand
and easily aligned to the WHO themes . By m th
Civ d em
sion
Comd heal
rma n
an
tion
info icatio
ic p plo
organizing the Strategy’s recommendations an
arti yme
to match the WHO framework, the City of
and mun
cip nt
Toronto can compare its efforts and its
Com
atio
n
successes with cities across the country
and around the world .
Figure .1
The World Health Organization has identified eight
themes based on the idea of active aging .
Source: WHO (2007) Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide, pg . 9

5 . The Strategy
The following sections summarize the key

recommendations, actions and accountability framework
proposed under this Strategy .
For each of the eight themes of age- Agencies, Boards, Corporations and
friendliness, key examples of current Divisions (ABCDs) can take to fulfill each
City initiatives to create an age- recommendation .
friendly Toronto provide context for the
recommendations that follow . To ensure accountability, each action is
intended to be measurable, attainable,
The Strategy identifies important relevant, and timely . In this way the
issues that were identified in the City’s actions can be evaluated on a regular
research and consultations . Each issue is basis . The specific actions provided by the
addressed by a broad recommendation ABCDs are also grouped into one of three
which draws on the Strategy’s service implementation categories for planning
planning principles . Under each purposes . These categories are listed on
recommendation, specific actions are the following page .
identified as steps the City of Toronto’s
27
Implementation Categories
Timeframe Cost Implications
Actions that can begin No net costs to City.

Short-Term
implementation Funding approved in the
immediately. 2013 City Budget.
Actions that can begin Costing to be referred back

Medium-Term
implementation within to ABCDs for consideration
two or three years. in the 2014 City budget process.
Actions that can begin Costing to be referred back

Long-Term
implementation in 2015 to ABCDs for consideration
and beyond. in 2015 and beyond.

. Accountability & Monitoring
During consultations on this Strategy, the City heard

repeatedly that making recommendations is the easy part .
Producing real improvements in the lives of Torontonians is
what matters . An accountability and monitoring plan is key to
making these improvements happen .
That is why the recommended actions in These elements mean that

this Strategy contain three key elements responsibilities for action are clearly
for accountability and monitoring: assigned, a timeframe to get started
on the work is clear, and expectations
1 . a clearly identified lead program area
for reporting are well defined . Where
with responsibility to implement;
possible, the Strategy identifies specific
2 . a timeframe for implementation; and targets for successful implementation . If
3 . an identified measure by which the a target is not possible, then a measure
status of each action will be reported of progress will be reported . These
to the public through City Council . progress measures will show how well
this Strategy is being implemented .
29
It is also important to know whether This framework will consist of indicators
there are measurable improvements reflecting the key issues and themes
in the wellbeing of older adults in identified in our public consultations .
neighbourhoods across Toronto . By updating these indicators on a
To answer this question, the Social regular basis, it will be possible to see
Development, Finance & Administration improvements in the age-friendliness of
division will work with other City and Toronto’s neighbourhoods .
community partners to build a place-
based monitoring framework using the The Strategy proposes to first report back
Wellbeing Toronto tool . to City Council on progress in 2015 . The
report will evaluate the implementation
status of each recommended action . If an
action has yet to begin implementation,
the report will include an explanation
as to why . If an action is in progress,
the report will include an anticipated
completion date . If an action is completed,
the report will include progress measures
to assess its impact on the wellbeing of
Learn more about Wellbeing Toronto at: Toronto’s diverse older adult population .
www .toronto .ca/wellbeing Staff from each of the City’s participating

Agencies, Boards, Commissions,
Corporations and Divisions will review the

Accountability & Monitoring
Accountability Model evaluation in partnership with leaders

from community, academic, medical
Seniors Strategy and seniors’ advocacy organizations .
2013 Strategy defines initial framework
City staff will also present the evaluation
and goals for implementation
to the Toronto Seniors’ Forum .
Together with community partners,

Implement City staff will refine the Strategy by
City program areas identifying adjustments, additional
implement Strategy
actions, and/or opportunities
recommendations
for partnerships for the ongoing
Evaluate Report implementation of the Strategy .
Continual
City tracks the Staff reports to Council
Monitoring Staff will report on the evaluation of the
progress of Strategy on current status and
implementation
and revisions to Strategy Strategy and present refinements to
Refinement
Council for approval .
Continual monitoring and evaluation

Review Refine by City staff and community partners
City reviews progress Based on feedback will ensure that The Toronto Seniors
with community partners and City proposes
Toronto Seniors’ Forum adjustments to Strategy
Strategy remains a living document,
one which is responsive to the evolving
needs of older Torontonians .

7 . Recommendations
The recommendations in this Strategy are grouped

into 8 themes, which are aligned with the World Health
Organization’s Age-friendly Cities and Communities
themes . These themes are:
1 Respect & Social Inclusion 5 Housing
Civic Engagement,
2 Volunteering & Employment 6 Transportation
3 Social Participation 7 Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
4 Community Support
& Health Services
8 Communications
& Information
32
Recommendations
Strategy Recommendations
Respect & Social Inclusion
Respect and inclusion are needed to feel like a valued part of the community .
Ageism and ignorance can produce a lack of consideration for older adults .
Intergenerational initiatives and public education can better connect all
Torontonians and ensure a place for all in our community .
What the City Does Now
The City faces significant demographic change as the population ages . There is a growing
awareness of people living with mental health challenges and disabilities . The “Doing It
Right” Campaign is a new, foundational initiative for the Toronto Public Service to promote a
respectful, ethical and safe workplace . A Guide to Good Practice: Providing Equitable Service
to Individuals of All Abilities has been included in this campaign to increase awareness that
“abilities” come in all forms, to ensure equity of outcomes for all residents; and to provide an
ethical foundation for the Toronto Public Service .

Respect & Social Inclusion Recommendations
Issue Recommendation
The City of Toronto will . . .
Toronto’s diverse older adults are a valued 1 . . .affirm its commitment to its diverse
part of our community . older adult population by meeting
internationally recognized standards of
age-friendliness .
Toronto’s older adults can be vulnerable 2 . . .address elder abuse .

to neglect and physical, financial, and
emotional abuse .
A courteous, non-judgemental, responsive 3 . . .train its staff to effectively serve all

approach to service is vital to ensuring older adults, including those who are
equitable access to service . vulnerable or have special needs .
Intergenerational programming provides . . .facilitate and promote

an opportunity to build respect and intergenerational programming .
understanding across age groups .

Recommendations
Recommendation 1 Respect & Social Inclusion
The City of Toronto will affirm its commitment to its diverse older adult population by meeting
internationally recognized standards of age-friendliness .
Timeline Action Responsibility Progress Measure
Medium- a . The City of Toronto will apply to the Social Application made .
Term World Health Organization to join the Development, Indicators identified .
Finance &
international network of age-friendly Administration Baseline assessment
cities and communities, develop a 3 completed .
year City-wide action plan based on the
findings of a baseline assessment of age-
friendliness, and identify indicators to
monitor progress against this plan .
b . The Chief of Police, or designate, will Toronto Police Report on data

work in partnership with the City of Service shared .
Toronto through the Executive Director,
Social Development, Finance and
Administration to develop and implement
expedited data-sharing agreements to
support ongoing analysis of safety and
quality of life of older Toronto residents .

(Recommendation 1 continued)
Long-Term c . The City of Toronto will seek funding Social Report on amount of
to create a public awareness campaign Development, funding secured .
Finance &
to fight ageism and to improve Administration
communications of services and City Manager’s
programs for older adults . Office
Long Term Care
Homes and
Services

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will address elder abuse .
Short-Term a . The Chief of Police, or designate, will Toronto Police Report on committee
encourage Community-Police Liaison Service activities regarding
Committees, the Chief’s Community safety issues of older
Advisory Council, and Community adults .
Consultative Committees across the
service to address the safety issues of
older adults .
b . Toronto Police Service will compile Toronto Police Report on guide

internal guides to assist front-line and Service implementation and
investigative officers to access resources use .
related to older adults, elder abuse and
fraud .

Medium- c . Toronto Police Service will improve Toronto Police Report on public
Term the physical safety of older adults Service awareness activities .
and enhance programs designed to
protect them from becoming victims
of violence or fraud by developing a
public awareness campaign to increase
community awareness on the issues
and risks associated with elder abuse
including financial abuse .
d . The Chief of Police, or designate, will Toronto Police Report on data

work in partnership with the City of Service shared .
Toronto through the Executive Director, Social
Development,
Social Development, Finance and Finance &
Administration to provide victimization Administration
data related to older Toronto residents
on an ongoing, annual basis at a
neighbourhood level of geography .

Recommendations
Long-Term e . The Toronto Police Service will establish Toronto Police Report on
a Chief’s Seniors’ Advisory Committee Service establishment of
comprised of key internal and external committee .
stakeholders with the goal of enabling
dialogue, problem solving and
innovation .
f . Toronto Police Service will develop and Toronto Police Training developed .
implement Officer training on effective Service Number of officers
recognition and reporting related to trained .
the abuse and neglect of older adults
including the signs of physical, mental,
emotional or sexual abuse, dementia,
mental health crises, and lack of
independence with respect to activities
of daily living .

The City of Toronto will train its staff to effectively serve all older adults, including those who are
vulnerable or have special needs .
Short-Term a . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter, Support Report on review of

Administration will review staff training & Housing training programs
Administration
programs and materials to ensure the and actions taken .
needs of homeless and at risk older
adults are adequately represented .
Medium- b . Equity, Diversity & Human Rights will City Manager’s Number of staff who
Term develop, promote, implement and Office have completed
Equity, Diversity &
evaluate an eLearning tutorial for City Human Rights tutorial .
staff on A Guide to Good Practice:
Providing equitable service to individuals
of all abilities . The tutorial will provide
information on best practices when
communicating with vulnerable adults
and the establishment of joint response
protocols .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will facilitate and promote intergenerational programming .
Short-Term a . Social Development, Finance & Social Development, Report on results of

Administration will foster connections Finance & joint meetings .
Administration
between the City’s main advisory Toronto Youth Cabinet,
bodies for youth and older adults to Toronto Seniors’ Forum
identify opportunities for collaboration . Long-Term Care
Homes & Services
Advisory Committee,
Youth Councils
b . Social Development, Finance & Social Development, Number of programs

Administration will publicize existing Finance & developed .
Administration
and develop new intergenerational
programming with school boards with Report on
a particular focus on promoting respect promotional efforts .
for older adults .
c . Toronto Public Library will develop Toronto Public Number of programs

intergenerational programs that involve Library developed .
youth and older adults .

(Recommendation continued)
Long-Term d . Social Development, Finance & Social Increase in funding .

Administration will expand funding Development,
Finance &
to community groups to develop new Administration
intergenerational programming .

Recommendations
Civic Engagement, Volunteering & Employment
Older Torontonians have a great deal of talent, skill, experience and wisdom
to offer their city . Opportunities which offer flexibility and support to
accommodate diverse older adults’ needs will help them to contribute, and to
feel valued and productive .
The City of Toronto provides staff support to the Toronto Seniors’ Forum . The Toronto Seniors’
Forum is a group of diverse Toronto residents over the age of 60 . The group works to engage
seniors in the workings of city government and to advocate for fair and quality services for
seniors in Toronto .
The City of Toronto also provides a wide range of volunteer opportunities for older adults such
as adult literacy tutoring, providing homework help for children and youth, or assisting residents
in the City’s Long-Term Care Homes . Volunteers report achievement of personal growth by
helping others, connecting with people, participating in programs, learning skills and giving
back to the community .

Opportunities are usually publicized through information fairs . The City also plans and supports
public consultations and focus groups that seek input on services for older adults .
The City of Toronto also operates Employment Centres at locations across the city . Each centre
is staffed with trained Career and Employment Information Specialists . Staff provide help to
Torontonians to reach their education and employment goals . The services are free and are
available to all city residents, including older adults .

Recommendations
Civic Engagement, Volunteering & Employment Recommendations
Toronto’s diverse older adults want and 5 . . .include and ensure diverse older
deserve to be better included in public adults are fully involved in the design
consultations and planning . and development of programming, and
are engaged in consultations on all City
of Toronto initiatives .
Toronto’s diverse older adults have wisdom . . .facilitate meaningful volunteering

and experience to share, and want a variety opportunities for older adults .
of volunteering opportunities, but need
adequate training and compensation for
their costs .
Toronto’s diverse older adults are 7 . . .facilitate employment opportunities

increasingly looking for employment for its diverse older adult residents .
opportunities, some out of desire, some out
of necessity .

Recommendation 5 Civic Engagement, Volunteering & Employment
The City of Toronto will include and ensure diverse older adults are fully involved in the design and
development of programming, and are engaged in consultations on all City initiatives .
Short-Term a . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter Support Report on

Administration will ensure community & Housing consultations .
Administration
consultations on the consolidation
of provincially-funded homelessness
programs (Community Homelessness
Prevention Initiative) include input and
feedback on programs and services
that would best meet the needs older
adults who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness .
b . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter Support Report on

Administration will ensure community & Housing consultations .
Administration
consultations on the proposed
redevelopment of Seaton House include
input on programs, services and design
elements that would best meet the needs
of homeless older adults .

Recommendations
Short-Term c . Social Development, Finance & Social Monitoring framework

Administration will engage the Toronto Development, developed .
Finance &
Seniors’ Forum as partners in the Seniors Administration
Strategy to monitor and evaluate the
progress of implementation .
d . The Toronto Public Library will develop Toronto Public Ongoing consultations
ongoing consultation mechanisms, Library sessions .
including an older adult advisory
committee that engages seniors and Older Adult Advisory
provides input into existing Toronto group .
Public Library services .

The City of Toronto will facilitate meaningful volunteering opportunities for older adults .
Short-Term a . Parks, Forestry & Recreation will pursue Parks, Forestry & Progress measured
a volunteer management system to Recreation under Recreation
maintain information on volunteer Service Plan
opportunities and enhance the ability implementation .
of recreation and parks staff to connect
volunteers with positive opportunities .
Long-Term b . Social Development, Finance & Social Number of programs

Administration will develop peer- Development, developed .
Finance &
leadership training programs to enable Administration
older adults to help others navigate civic
services and programs .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will facilitate employment opportunities for its diverse older adult residents .
Short-Term a . Toronto Employment & Social Services Toronto Report on

will ensure that older workers can access Employment & employment
Social Services
City Workforce development initiatives opportunities for
and will explore opportunities to older adults .
customize employment services to meet
the unique needs of older workers .

Social Participation
Social participation is a means for older adults to connect with others and
to participate in the diverse cultural and social life of the city . Promoting
increased access and affordability of programs and events will contribute to a
higher quality of life for older adults .
The City of Toronto has in place service strategies and programs to maximize the potential of
Toronto’s older adult population and to support the best possible quality of life at all stages of
aging through the promotion of a variety of activities . The City offers networking opportunities,
recreational programs, services and activities such as discussion groups and book talks to
promote social participation and reduce social isolation .
Toronto Public Library offers presentations, health information programs and computer and
electronic information skills workshops to facilitate lifelong learning . These programs are
supported with informational resources, such as books, e-books and audio visual materials in
formats suitable for older adults . Financial independence is promoted through workshops on

Recommendations
retirement planning and money management . Civic engagement is promoted through volunteer
opportunities, community information events, and consultation activities .
The City of Toronto, through the Community Partnership and Investment Program (CPIP),
partners with community-based agencies to fund a network of services which support the
City’s social, cultural, housing, health, employment, recreation, economic and neighbourhood
improvement goals . These partnerships help to leverage resources from community partners,
other orders of government and other funders to provide services for Torontonians, with many
projects supporting older adults .
The City operates Adult Day Programs at locations across the City offering a variety of quality
activities and services in a safe, supportive environment for people who are physically frail, have
a cognitive impairment or who are socially isolated .
The City of Toronto also supports Community Service Hubs . These deliver community services
and programs more efficiently and effectively by locating multiple programs within the same
“hub” location . This allows for some sharing of resources between programs, but also better
coordination of services across different programs . Older Torontonians particularly benefit from
having access to multiple services in one place .

Social Participation Recommendations
Diverse older adults need opportunities and 8 . . .increase opportunities and spaces
spaces to socialize and network in order to for social participation by diverse older
enjoy a higher quality of life . adults .
For some older adults the cost of 9 . . .reduce financial barriers to its
programming presents a significant barrier programming for older adults .
to participating in organized activities .
Toronto’s diverse older adult population 10 . . .ensure older Torontonians have

requires a wide variety of social and equitable access to social and cultural
recreational activities . programming .

Recommendations
Recommendation 8 Social Participation
The City of Toronto will increase opportunities and spaces for social participation by diverse older
adults .
Short-Term a . Long-Term Care Homes & Services will Long-Term Care Report on the status
develop a Capital Renewal Strategy Homes & Services of Capital Renewal
for its B and C homes and include Strategy .

community space as part of their design
to support the creation of community
hubs .
b . City Planning will undertake Community City Planning Additional

Services and Facilities Strategies/Reviews community space
to assess and respond to changing demand secured in areas
for community services and facilities in undergoing
areas where the population is aging and/ significant mixed
or growing, including securing on-site use or residential
community space as part of mixed use development .
and/or significant residential development,
in order for agencies to effectively run
accessible services and/or programs that
could benefit older adults .

Short-Term c . Toronto Community Housing Corporation Toronto Report co-location

(TCHC) will investigate co-locating City Community options .
Housing
and community services for older adults Corporation
in Toronto Community Housing and other Number of older adult
City-owned facilities in order to make programs provided at
these services more accessible to older Toronto Community
residents of TCHC facilities . Housing .
Number of TCHC
residents participating
in programs and
services on-site .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will reduce financial barriers to its programming for older adults .
Short-Term a . Social Development, Finance & Social Increase in funding

Administration, in partnership with the Development, to Elderly Persons
Finance &
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Administration Centres .
and Local Health Integration Networks
(LHINs), will expand financial support to Increase in number
Elderly Persons Centres and work with of people using
the province to increase their visibility Elderly Person
through consistent branding . Centres .

The City of Toronto will ensure older Torontonians have equitable access to social and cultural
programming .
Short-Term a . Parks, Forestry & Recreation will develop Parks, Forestry & Measure to be
an age-based plan for older adults, Recreation developed as part
which would include strategies to ensure of the Recreation
consistent, quality recreation programs Service Plan
for older adults across the city, with the implementation .
flexibility to respond to local age specific
needs .
b . Toronto Public Library will purchase large Toronto Pubic $500,000 estimated
print books, audio books and electronic Library expenditure in new
media that appeal to older adults . catalogue items .

Recommendations
Community Support & Health Services
Access to a full range of quality and affordable health and community support
services has a profound effect on quality of life for older Torontonians .
The City of Toronto supports older adults to age in a healthy, active and independent manner
and with a continuum of health and social supports and opportunities to avoid social and
physical isolation .
The City has several Community Paramedicine programs specifically intended for older
adults . The Community Referrals by EMS (CREMS) Program empowers paramedics to connect
vulnerable older adults to the health services of their local Community Care Access Centre
(CCAC) . With a simple phone call, a paramedic can refer a patient in need of personal support,
nursing, physical therapy, or other forms of assistance . The Community Paramedic program
also allows a Community Paramedic to visit vulnerable older adults and provide assessment and
support for their care needs while reducing the use of 911 for non-acute health care issues .

The Toronto Police Service (TPS), in partnership with local hospitals, offers the Mobile
Crisis Intervention Team (MCIT) to support people experiencing a mental health crisis in the
community .
Toronto Public Health (TPH) provides chronic disease and injury prevention programs including
services such as healthy eating, physical activity promotion, falls prevention and promotion
of cancer screening, as well as coordinating a hot weather response . TPH also provides dental
services in public health clinics for eligible seniors and dental screening in certain Long-
Term Care homes as well as denture services . TPH also provides short-term nursing case-
management, education and advocacy to people in vulnerable situations including those who
have bedbugs and exhibit hoarding behaviour .
TPH offers a Universal Influenza Immunization Program at locations that are accessible to
seniors . The City also provides influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for seniors at homeless
shelters and drop-in centres .
The City offers Homemakers and Nurses Services to provide light housekeeping, laundry,
shopping and meal preparation to approximately 2,500 individuals annually who qualify under
a functional and financial means assessment to remain in their own homes and part of the
community .
The City of Toronto’s Hardship Fund helps low-income residents, including older adults not
receiving social assistance, to afford the cost of special health-related items (e .g . mobility
supports, medical supplies, sensory aides) .

Recommendations
Community Support & Health Services Recommendations
Living healthy lifestyles and avoiding illness 11 . . .promote healthy lifestyles and reduce
and injuries will allow many older adults to major illness and injury among older
enjoy a higher quality of life . Torontonians .
Economic barriers can impede access to 12 . . .take steps to eliminate economic

equitable health, social and community barriers for diverse older adults to
support services . health, social and community support
services .
Vulnerable older adults have specific care 13 . . .address the specific needs of
needs that must be addressed to ensure vulnerable older adults .
equitable service .

Recommendation 11 Community Support & Health Services
The City of Toronto will promote healthy lifestyles and reduce major illness and injury among older
Torontonians .
Short-Term a . Emergency Medical Services will further Emergency Increase referrals by

strengthen its Community Referrals by Medical Services 10% from 1,224 in
Emergency Medical Services Program 2012 to 1,350 in 2013 .
(CREMS) by increasing the number of
EMS referrals made to primary care
providers, Community Care Access
Centres and community support service
providers .
b . The City of Toronto will create a Health Toronto Public Increase influenza
Care Worker Influenza Immunization Health immunization
Group to examine all options to increase Long-Term Care coverage rate .
Homes & Services
influenza immunization rates of City
Emergency
employees whose job involves providing Medical Services
health care to older adults .

Recommendations
Short-Term c . Toronto Public Health will work with Toronto Public Number of partners
community partners and the private Health engaged .
sector to make it easier for older adults to
access healthy affordable and culturally
diverse food through existing food retail
and innovative approaches such as the
Mobile Good Food Market .
d . The Toronto Public Library will offer a Toronto Public Minimum of 90

dynamic mix of programs to address Library programs in areas of
lifelong learning and skills development health and minimum of
that support better health, financial 50 programs in areas of
management and sustainability . financial management
developed .
Medium- e . Toronto Public Health will increase Toronto Public Increase in the
Term access to falls prevention training to Health percentage of agencies
health and allied health professionals serving seniors with
working with older adults . staff trained in falls
prevention .

Medium- f . Toronto Public Health will increase Toronto Public Report on results
Term awareness among older adults and Health of communication
their caregivers of the risks for falls and strategies .
strategies for preventing falls using a
variety of communication strategies .
g . Emergency Medical Services will Emergency Increase in number

significantly increase its Community Medical of home visits .
Services
Paramedic home visits .
Long-Term h . Emergency Medical Services will expand Emergency Increase in number

the Community Paramedicine program to Medical of Community
Services
include more Community Paramedics for Paramedics .
home visits as well as establishing potential
partnerships with other stakeholders
to prevent unnecessary transports to
hospitals . Community Paramedics respond
to non-acute medical calls where they can
assess the patient’s acuity, perform minor
procedures and engage proper community
support programs .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will take steps to eliminate economic barriers for diverse older adults to health,
social and community support services .
Short-Term a . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter, Support Report on the

Administration will explore partnerships & Housing effectiveness of
Administration
to enhance the Vulnerable Populations partnerships .
Protocol for the delivery of Emergency
Human Services (EHS) including
registration and inquiry, temporary
accommodation, meals, clothing,
transportation and personal supports .
These are intended to ensure that
ensuring that older Torontonians and
others who are vulnerable are identified
and protocols are in place to provide
them access to EHS services and the
specialized response they may require
during large or small scale emergencies .

Medium- b . Due to the current demand, the wait time Toronto Public Increase in number
Term to access dental care and the expected Health of eligible older
increase in demand with the aging adults using
demographics, the City should expand free basic dental
access to dental care for eligible seniors . services .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will address the specific needs of vulnerable older adults .
Short-Term a . City of Toronto Agencies, Boards, Toronto Public Report on suicide

Corporations and Divisions will Health prevention initiative .
collaborate on a suicide prevention City of Toronto
Agencies, Boards,
initiative, including older adults as well as Corporations and
other priority populations . Divisions

Housing
Housing is necessary to the health, economic security and wellbeing of older

Torontonians . Integrated housing and homelessness programs, policies and
services that support aging at home and in place are important for ensuring
fair and respectful treatment for lower-income older Torontonians .
The City of Toronto ensures that people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have
a range of shelter and affordable housing options through the direct operation, funding and
administration of programs and services including street outreach, emergency shelters,
drop-ins, housing help centres, social housing and a mass care response in case of a public
emergency . These programs and services include emergency shelters, drop-ins, housing and
other supports specifically for older adults .
The City of Toronto is currently increasing and maintaining the availability of affordable housing
with support services for lower-income older adults . This includes opening 713 new, permanent
affordable rental homes for older adults by 2013 through the Canada-Ontario Affordable

Recommendations
Housing Program, working in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and
private and non-profit partners . These homes integrate housing with local agency support
services .
The City also delivers the Toronto Renovates program with federal-provincial funding to provide
assistance to lower-income homeowners with essential housing repairs and modifications
supporting aging in place and greater accessibility .
Climate change can result in extreme hot weather, power outages and elevator failure, which can
have serious consequences for Torontonians, especially for older adults living in apartments .
The City is working with Engineers Canada to identify how to better design buildings to adapt to
these new realities .
The City, through the Official Plan policies and Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion
By-law, also works to preserve, and where appropriate, replace rental housing to protect and
re-house tenants . Many of the tenants affected by redevelopment proposals are older adults .
As well, Toronto’s new city-wide zoning by-law makes provisions for certain types of seniors
accommodation including Seniors Community Houses .

The City of Toronto offers tax and utility rate relief programs, such as the Property Tax Increase
Deferral Program, the Property Tax Increase Cancellation Program and the Water Rebate
Program for eligible home owners .
The City of Toronto operates ten Long-Term Care Homes across the city . The Supportive
Housing Program provides 24-hour assistance with personal care, light housekeeping and
laundry, medication reminders, security checks and light meal preparation to eligible clients at
these locations . The program is committed to wellness and health promotion with an on-site
Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) at each location assisting 450 clients annually to maintain their
independence .

Recommendations
Housing Recommendations
The cost of housing in Toronto is expensive 1 . . .take steps to increase older

for many older adults and has a significant Torontonians’ access to affordable
impact on quality of life . housing .
Older Torontonians wish to be able to live 15 . . .enable older Torontonians to live

independently in their homes and to live independently in their own homes by
in communities of their choosing . To do helping them to make necessary repairs,
so, some older adults require assistance to alterations and barrier-free modifications
ensure barrier-free homes and in-home care and to access in-home care and support
and support services . services .
Torontonians want to be assured of access 1 . . .provide a continuum of high quality

to a range of long-term care homes and long-term care services to eligible
services for those who need them . older Torontonians in both long-term
care homes and the community and
will advocate for necessary funding
from the Province of Ontario .

Recommendation 14 Housing
The City of Toronto will take steps to increase older Torontonians’ access to affordable housing .
Short-Term a . The Affordable Housing Office will Affordable Number of

aggressively pursue a full range of Housing Office partnerships created .
partnership opportunities to create and
maintain affordable housing for lower- Number of innovative
income seniors, supporting the goals of housing initiatives
Housing Opportunities Toronto, the City’s and homes created/
10-year housing action plan . maintained .
b . The Affordable Housing Office Affordable Describe actions

and Shelter, Support & Housing Housing Office taken and results of
Administration will maximize Shelter, Support actions .
& Housing
opportunities to provide affordable Administration
housing choice and supply for lower
income seniors through participation
in the renewed federal-provincial
Investment in Affordable Housing
funding program .

Recommendations
Short-Term c . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter, Support Number of copies of

Administration and the Affordable & Housing service directories
Administration
Housing Office will provide senior- distributed .
Affordable
friendly public education sessions for Housing Office
homeless, at risk and low-income older Number and type of
adults, their families and caregivers . brochures distributed
These sessions will increase public and accessed .
awareness of the diverse range of
Number and type
housing programs and services already
of educational
available in their communities regardless
and community
of service provider or service funder .
engagement
These include a hard copy service
initiatives
directory, an online searchable directory,
implemented .
program brochures, other promotional
material and community engagement
initiatives .

Short-Term d . City Planning will undertake an Official City Planning Undertaking of

Plan Amendment to allow for Secondary Shelter, Support an Official Plan
Suites in existing homes, and will & Housing Amendment,
Administration
update the Secondary Suites resource development of an
Affordable
kit . Secondary Suite units will help both Housing Office updated secondary
senior homeowners and renters remain suites resource kit,
in their neighbourhoods . and distribution to
agencies and facilities
that serve older
Torontonians .
e . Revenue Services will bring forward Revenue Percentage

various options and communication Services increase in program
strategies to enhance awareness/ participation .
knowledge, access and participation of
the available senior property tax and
utility relief programs .

Recommendations
Short-Term f . City Planning, in consultation with the City Planning Increase in

Affordable Housing Office, will seek to Affordable affordable rental
increase the supply of affordable rental Housing Office and ownership
and ownership housing for low-income units .
households, including older adults, through
mechanisms such as Section 37 of the
Planning Act to secure and access funds for
affordable ownership units and condominium-
registered affordable rental units .
g . Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Shelter, Support Data collected .

will enhance service planning for homeless & Housing
Administration
and at risk older adults through improved
collection of demographic information on
older adults using emergency shelters, street
outreach and/or other homelessness and
housing support programs, as well as those
on the social housing waiting list and using
rent supplements or housing allowances .

Long-Term h . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter, Support Action plan updated
Administration, working with the & Housing to reflect the needs of
Administration
Affordable Housing Office, will update older Torontonians .
Affordable
Housing Opportunities Toronto: Housing Office
An Affordable Housing Action Plan City Planning
(2010-2020) accounting for the
evolving demographics and needs of
older Torontonians, consistent with
the provincial requirement for all
municipalities to have a housing and
homelessness plan in place .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will enable older Torontonians to live independently in their own homes by helping
them to make necessary repairs, alterations and barrier-free modifications and to access in-home care
and support services .
Short-Term a . The Affordable Housing Office will assist Affordable $6 .7 M in

lower-income older adults and persons Housing Office administered funds,
with disabilities to make essential repairs up to 475 homes
and modifications to their homes by assisted to renovate/
delivering the new Toronto Renovates repair (2012 to 2015) .
Program 2012 to 2015 using federal-
provincial funding .
b . The Affordable Housing Office will Affordable Number and type

promote its accessibility and aging in Housing Office of engagement
place design guidelines in affordable activities
housing by direct engagement with the implemented .
public and housing providers .

Medium- c . Long-Term Care Homes & Services Long-Term Number of additional

Term will expand the Homemakers and Care Homes & clients served through
Services
Nurses Services program which offers program to reduce/
assistance with housekeeping, laundry, eliminate existing wait
shopping and meal preparation to frail list .
elderly or other older adults recovering
from illness or surgery .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will provide a continuum of high quality long-term care services to eligible older
Torontonians in both long-term care homes and the community and will advocate for necessary
funding from the Province of Ontario .
Short-Term a . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter, Support Advocacy occurred .

Administration will encourage the & Housing
Administration Advocacy result .
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to
Long-Term Care
recognize and support the needs of older Homes & Services
adults using emergency shelters, street
respite and street outreach programs
by improving the access of this group of
older adults to Long-Term Care programs
and initiatives and other supports while
staying in shelters/living on the street .

Short-Term b . Shelter, Support & Housing Shelter, Support Advocacy occurred .

Administration will encourage the & Housing
Administration Advocacy result .
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Long-Term
and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Care Homes &
and Housing to develop and/or increase Services
appropriate models of Long-Term Care,
supportive housing, assisted living and
housing supports . Such models should
be designed to assist older adults that
use substances, have mental health
issues and/or behavioural issues .

Recommendations
Short-Term c . Long-Term Care Homes & Services will Long-Term Increase in resources
access the provincially-funded Behaviour Care Homes & and services .
Services
Support Ontario Program to improve
the quality of care in City owned long-
term care homes by hiring and training
new Personal Support Workers, Nurses
in the specialized skills necessary to
provide specialized care to residents
with dementia, mental health conditions,
substance use disorders and other
cognitive impairments .
Medium- d . Toronto Community Housing Corporation Toronto Report on

Term and Long-Term Care Homes & Services Community enhancements to
Housing
will work to enhance their partnership Corporation partnership .
agreement to create more supportive Long-Term
housing in Toronto Community Housing Care Homes &
buildings . Services

Transportation
Transportation is vital to older Torontonians to maintain a high quality of

life . Toronto’s transportation network is what grants access to the life of the
city . An accessible, affordable, safe and reliable public transportation system
promotes social connectedness for all .
Several City divisions are collaborating to implement the City’s Walking Strategy, Multi-Use Trail
and Bikeway Network, and Sustainable Transportation initiatives to encourage more active and
healthy transportation usage and reduce smog .
The City of Toronto has been working to improve the safety of streets and sidewalks by
providing safe, visible and accessible pedestrian crossings, with visible zebra pavement
markings for crosswalks and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks at midblock crossings . The City is
also updating pedestrian signals to include countdown timers and installing accessible audible
crossing signals at all new intersections across Toronto and on a request basis .

Recommendations
The City is implementing traffic calming measures in local communities to improve the quality
of life for residents and increase the safety of non-motorized users of the street .
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers a discounted fare to riders aged 65 and older, and
all TTC buses and subway trains are accessible . The City conducts annual sidewalk inspections
to identify and correct safety issues to determine locations to install sidewalks where there are
none .
The City provides a sidewalk snow clearing program for older adults (on an application basis)
where sidewalk snow clearing is not a regular City service . The City also ensures snow is cleared
from inside and around transit shelters .
Residents may access information and report concerns with road and sidewalk maintenance and
snow clearing by calling 311 Toronto .

Transportation Recommendations
Many older Torontonians have difficulty 17 . . .increase affordable transportation

finding affordable transportation to get options for older Torontonians .
where they need to go .
Some conditions in the public 18 . . .improve the accessibility of the public

transportation system can present transportation network .
barriers that prevent older adults from
accessing vehicles and finding accessible
routes to get to their destination .
Some conditions on sidewalks and 19 . . .improve the accessibility of its

street crossings can present barriers to sidewalks and crossings .
pedestrians with mobility limitations .
Older adults account for a 20 . . .improve the safety of pedestrians

disproportionate share of pedestrian and take steps to reduce the number
fatalities and injuries in Toronto . of pedestrian and vehicular collisions .

Recommendations
Recommendation 17 Transportation
The City of Toronto will increase affordable transportation options for older Torontonians .
Medium- a . The Toronto Transit Commission will Toronto Transit Policy implemented .
Term pursue discounted or free fares for older Commission
adults during non-peak hours .
b . Toronto Public Library will work to Toronto Public Partnerships

develop partnerships with community Library developed and
service organizations that provide program developed
transportation services for seniors in by 2014 .
order to facilitate increased access to
library branches .
Long-Term c . Through the Community Partnership Social Number of

and Investment Program (CPIP), Social Development, clients served
Finance &
Development, Finance & Administration Administration by community-
will fund community groups to increase based non-medical
non-medical transportation options for transportation
older adults . services .

The City of Toronto will improve the accessibility of the public transportation network .
Short-Term a . The Toronto Transit Commission will Toronto Transit Number of seating
change the current “courtesy seating” Commission signs converted .
system to “priority seating” .
b . The Toronto Transit Commission will Toronto Transit Percentage of

introduce new accessible streetcars in Commission streetcar fleet that is
2014, which will provide ramps to allow accessible .
people using wheelchairs, scooters or
assistive devices easier entry .
c . The Toronto Transit Commission will Toronto Transit Increase in number

upgrade the public address system in Commission of stations and with
TTC subway stations to improve the upgraded sound
clarity of announcements . systems .

Recommendations
Short-Term d . The Toronto Transit Commission will Toronto Transit Increase in

publicize the TTC maintenance/repair Commission awareness of TTC
telephone line: 416-539-LIFT (5438) . maintenance/repair
hotline .
e . The Toronto Transit Commission will post Toronto Transit Report on

elevator/escalator outage notices at TTC Commission establishment and
station entrances . compliance with
policy .
f . The Toronto Transit Commission will Toronto Transit Increase in number of

work with Transportation Services to Commission accessible stops .
increase the number of accessible bus Transportation
Services
stops .

The City of Toronto will improve the accessibility of its sidewalks and crossings .
Short-Term a . Transportation Services will work Transportation Number of

to complete updates to intersection Services intersections
crossing times to provide longer walk updated .
times across the city .
b . Transportation Services will develop a Transportation Policy and process

policy and process for further extending Services developed .
crossing-times at intersections in areas
where there is a high concentration of
senior residents or senior amenities/
facilities, pending the adoption of a
national standard .
c . Transportation Services will monitor Transportation Report on findings .

new types of mobility devices to Services
ensure that City by-laws appropriately

recognize personal mobility devices that
are appropriate for use in pedestrian
environments such as on sidewalks and
multi-use pathways .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will improve the safety of pedestrians and take steps to reduce the number of
pedestrian and vehicular collisions .
Short-Term a . Transportation Services will conduct Transportation Number of reviews

reviews of each pedestrian fatality to Services conducted .
understand the collision cause and
implement, where appropriate, measures Number of
that respond to the collision causes . reviews with road
safety measures
implemented .
b . Toronto Public Health, in collaboration Toronto Public Number of

with Transportation Services, will identify Health consultation
and implement active transportation Transportation activities conducted
Services
demonstration projects, including traffic in demonstration
calming and ‘slow zones’ to enhance communities .
safety for older adults and all road users .
Number of
communities where
demonstration
projects are
underway .

Short-Term c . Transportation Services will advocate Transportation Report on result of

that the Ministry of Transportation Services advocacy .
amend the Highway Traffic Act to
strengthen the rules of the road
regarding safety of pedestrians at mid-
block crossings, and to create safety
programs for all road users .
d . Transportation Services will identify Transportation Number of projects

opportunities to improve safety for all Services that have undergone
road users by including safety reviews in a Safety Review on
the capital planning process for roadway an annual basis .
projects .

Recommendations
Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
Public buildings and outdoor spaces play an important role in the relationship
we have with the city . These spaces provide a place for Toronto’s diverse
population to meet, but they are also vital to Torontonian’s mobility . Accessible
and safe public environments are necessary for older adults to enjoy equitable
access to a high quality of life .
The City of Toronto is making facilities and public spaces safer and more accessible for older
adults by preparing all City buildings and public spaces to comply with the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) .
A number of additional initiatives that work to ensure the accessibility of the City’s public
spaces, including streets and sidewalks, are described under the Transportation section .

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings Recommendations
Some conditions can present barriers that 21 . . .make it easier for older
prevent older adults from accessing outdoor Torontonians to find their way
spaces and buildings . around and access its public spaces
and buildings .
Toronto’s diverse older adults do not 22 . . .help its diverse older adult residents
always feel safe and secure in their feel safe and secure by improving the
communities . safety of its facilities and public spaces .

Recommendations
Recommendation 21 Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
The City of Toronto will make it easier for older Torontonians to find their way around and access its
public spaces and buildings .
Short-Term a . Transportation Services will accelerate Transportation Increase in number

the installation of street benches and Services of accessible
benches and shelters at bus stops . benches .
b . Transportation Services will consult Transportation Report on

with Astral Out-of-Home and its Services consultation and
design consultants to review possible outcome .
adaptations to the existing street
furniture bench design to ensure they
address emerging research on older
adults’ accessibility needs .
c . Parks, Forestry & Recreation will increase Parks, Forestry & Increase in tree
the tree canopy over the next 40 to 50 Recreation canopy .
years, which will lead to more shade
protection .

Short-Term d . Transportation Services will implement Transportation Funding secured

the Toronto Wayfinding Strategy to Services for phase 2
support all Torontonians navigating the implementation .
city, including age-friendly signage and
mapping and integrating wayfinding
systems for parks, gardens and trails .
e . Transportation Services will work to Transportation Increase in number

increase the number of larger-print street Services of intersections with
name signs at all intersections with traffic large-print street
lights . name signs .
f . Transportation Services will work with Transportation Number of trail

partners to enhance multi-use trails and Services enhancement sites .
pathways with tactile trail surfaces, on- Parks, Forestry &
Recreation
trail markings, markings at junctions, and
cautionary signage to reduce conflicts
between different types of users and
provide a more enjoyable experience for
all trail users including older adults .

Recommendations
Short-Term g . City Planning will develop Official Plan City Planning Policies under
policies as part of its 5 Year Review development .
which include creating a comprehensive
and universally accessible transportation
system; developing walkable mixed-use
and transit-supportive neighbourhoods,
and designing public streets, open
spaces and buildings that are safe,
comfortable and accessible .
h . The City of Toronto, in consultation with Transportation Policy developed .

key stakeholders, will develop policies Services
and best practices for the appropriate Toronto Transit Best practices
Commission instituted .
use of tactile walking surface indicators
on city infrastructure for pedestrians who
are visually-impaired .
Medium i . As part of its Parks Plan, Parks, Forestry Parks, Forestry & Will be reported as
Term & Recreation will continue to increase Recreation part of the Parks Plan
shaded seating areas in parks and Implementation .
explore design adaptations to further
address emerging research on older
adult accessibility .
j . Social Development, Finance & Social Increase in funding

Administration will expand snow Development, for snow shovelling
Finance &
shovelling services for older Administration services for older
Torontonians administered under the Torontonians .
City’s Community Partnership and
Investment Program (CPIP) .

Recommendations
Recommendation 22 Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
The City of Toronto will help its diverse older adult residents feel safe and secure by improving the
safety of its facilities and public spaces .
Short-Term a . Toronto Police Service will promote Toronto Police Number of audits
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Service performed .
Design community safety audits
throughout the city . Report on actions
resulting from audits .
b . The Toronto Police Service will continue Toronto Police Report on

to provide a visible presence in public Service information
spaces and inform and educate older and education
Torontonians on safety issues in their activities for older
community . Torontonians .

Long-Term c . Toronto Community Housing Corporation Toronto Number of safety

will implement a safety, maintenance and Community audits completed .
Housing
liveability upgrade of all Seniors Buildings . Corporation
This includes upgrades to communal and Number of
community space (e .g . lobby, common security upgrades
areas), security audits, upgrades to security completed .
cameras, elevator maintenance issues, and
re-secured entrance and exits . Funding
sources to be identified by TCHC, including
new revenue sources achieved from the
implementation of the Special Housing
Working Group report approved by Council
in 2012 .
d . The Toronto Police Service will work with Toronto Police Guidebook
City and community partners to develop Service developed .
a guidebook for older adults in Toronto to Number of
promote safe and secure community living . guidebooks
distributed .

Recommendations
Communications & Information
Clear, direct, and understandable information is necessary for older adults

to keep informed and stay included in the life of the City . Taking the
communication needs and preferences of Toronto’s diverse older adult
population into account is an important part of removing barriers to civic
participation and social engagement .
The City of Toronto has a communications directive to affirm its commitment to accessible
language . This ensures that information is provided to all residents in a manner in which they
can easily understand .
Torontonians can also call 311, a simple three-digit phone number, to call for information
about City of Toronto services and programs, or to make a request for services . Callers can
get information about everything from Toronto Public Library hours of operation, to reporting
a missed garbage pick-up, to finding out where the closest flu clinic is located . 311 customer
service representatives have instant access to interpreters who speak more than 180 languages .

Many of Toronto’s diverse older adults are 23 . . .better promote its programs and
not fully aware of the range of programs services to diverse older adults .
available to them .
Toronto’s diverse older adult population has 2 . . .ensure that as wide an audience as
varied information needs . City of Toronto possible has a clear understanding of
communications can be difficult for older its communications .
Torontonians to understand .
Some older adults experience technological 25 . . .reduce technological barriers to

barriers to accessing information . information .

Recommendations
Recommendation 23 Communications & Information
The City of Toronto will better promote its programs and services to diverse older adults .
Short-Term a . Parks, Forestry & Recreation will develop Parks, Forestry & Will be reported
a communication plan with strategies Recreation as part of the
geared specifically towards older Recreation Service
adults to raise awareness of program Plan and Parks Plan
availability options, improve access and implementation .
reduce stigma .
b . The City of Toronto will better publicize Social Number of

to older Torontonians the services Development, promotional sessions
Finance &
offered by 211 and 311 . Administration held at events
Toronto Seniors’ involving older
Forum adults .
Medium- c . The City of Toronto will develop internal Social Plan developed for
Term resources to ensure front-line service Development, creating internal
Finance &
staff are aware of and able to promote Administration resources .
information and services of interest to
older adults .

Long-Term d . The Toronto Police Service will Toronto Police Report on

strengthen partnerships with health, Service development of
social and community support service partnerships .
agencies to connect vulnerable,
victimized older adults to appropriate
health, social and community support
services .
e . The City of Toronto will assist older Social Aging improvement

adults to participate fully in community Development, areas identified .
Finance &
life by identifying Aging Improvement Administration
Areas, neighbourhoods with high
concentrations of vulnerable seniors and
fewer available services .

Recommendations
The City of Toronto will ensure that as wide an audience as possible has a clear understanding of its
communications .
Medium- a . The City of Toronto will develop an City Manager’s Policy and guidelines
Term accessible communications policy and Office developed and
Strategic
guidelines to assist City staff to meet Communications implemented .
accessibility standard requirements
created under the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The
policy and guidelines should reflect
communication and information barriers
which may exist for both older adults and
people with different abilities .

The City of Toronto will reduce technological barriers to information .
Medium- a . The Toronto Public Library will develop Toronto Public Electronic
Term and implement electronic information Library information literary
literacy programs for older adults that programs developed .
focus on Internet awareness, safety and
new information technologies .

References
References
Age Friendly NYC (2012). Creating an Age-Friendly NYC One Neighbourhood at a Time. New York City.
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (2011). Coming of Age: The Municipal Role in Caring for Ontario’s Seniors.
Toronto, ON.
City of London (2010). Age Friendly London: Report to the Community. London, ON.
City of Mississauga (2008). Older Adult Plan. Mississauga, ON.
City of Ottawa (2012). Older Adult Plan 2012-2014. Ottawa, ON.
City of Toronto (2006). City of Toronto Roundtable on Seniors: Housing Toronto Seniors. Toronto, ON.
City of Toronto (2006). Flashforward: Projecting Population and Employment to 2031 in a Mature Urban Area.
Toronto, ON.
City of Toronto (2008). Toronto Community Housing Seniors Implementation Framework 2008-2010: Sustaining
Age-Friendly Communities for Senior Tenants. Toronto, ON.
City of Toronto (2012). Recreation Service Plan, 2013-2017. Toronto, ON.
City of Toronto (2013). Toronto Newcomer Strategy: Helping Newcomers Thrive and Prosper. Toronto, ON.
Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (2011). Vision for an Age-Friendly Edmonton. Edmonton, AB.
Government of Ontario (2008). Ontario’s Aging at Home Strategy.

<http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ltc/33_ontario_strategy.aspx>

Government of Ontario (2013). Ontario’s Action Plan for Seniors. Toronto, ON.
Government of Ontario (2013). Living Longer, Living Well . Report Submitted to the Minister of Health and Long-
Term Care and the Minister Responsible for Seniors on Recommendations to Inform a Seniors Strategy for
Ontario. Toronto, ON. <http://health.gov.on.ca/en/common/ministry/publications/reports/seniors_strategy/>
Health Council of Canada (2012). Seniors in Need, Caregivers in Distress: What are the Home Care Priorities for
Seniors in Canada? <http://healthcouncilcanada.ca/tree/HCC_HomeCare_FA.pdf>
Hemson Consulting, Ltd. (2012) Places to Grow Technical Report: Greater Golden Horseshoe Growth Forecasts to
2041. Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure: Toronto, ON.
Jones, Allison (2007). The Role of Supportive Housing for Low-Income Seniors in Ontario. Canadian Policy
Research Networks.
New York Academy of Medicine (2008). Toward an Age-Friendly New York City: A Findings Report. New York City.
Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario (2012). Pedestrian Death Review: A Review of All Accidental Pedestrian
Deaths in Ontario from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010. Government of Ontario: Toronto, ON.
World Bank (2012). The World Bank DataBank. <http://databank.worldbank.org>
World Health Organization (2007). Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide. World Health Organization: Geneva,
Switzerland.
York Region (2010). Healthy Aging Strategy for Older Adults in York Region.

Glossary
Glossary
211 Ontario A three-digit phone number and website that provides information
and referral to community and social services in Ontario .
311 Toronto A three-digit phone number and website that provides information
and direct access to City services . Services are offered 24-hours a
day, seven days a week and in more than 180 languages .
ABCDs Agencies, Boards, Corporations and Divisions of the City of Toronto .

Divisions are staff departments within the City that are accountable
to the City Manager and report through City Council . Agencies,
Boards and Corporations are accountable through different reporting
structures . For example, Toronto Police Service is accountable to the
Toronto Police Services Board . Collectively, ABCDs are also known as
program areas .
Adult Day Programs Adult Day Programs are operated by Toronto Long-Term Care
Homes and Services . There are three homes across the city that
offer programs to seniors living in the community, allowing them to
participate in social programming and connect with peers .

Affordable Rental The City of Toronto’s definition of affordable rental housing, as stated
Housing in the Official Plan, is a housing unit with rents, including utilities, at
or below 100% of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) annual Average Market Rent (AMR) for the City by unit size .
Affordable rental housing developed under the federal/provincial
Affordable Housing Program requires the average rent for all funded
affordable units in a development be no more than 80% of AMR .
Age-Friendly Cities An international World Health Organization (WHO) initiative designed

to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of services in cities for
people of all ages .
Community Care Access Community Care Access Centres connect seniors with home care
Centres (CCAC) and other care services in their community . There are several
CCACs in Toronto . CCACs are funded by Local Health Integration
Networks (LHINs) through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care .
Application for admission into a provincially-regulated long-term care
home can only be made through the CCAC, who assess eligibility,
have comprehensive listings of available homes for long and short
stays, and will help with the application forms .
Community Community Service Hubs are places where people can connect to a
Service Hubs variety of services . Each hub has a slightly different mix of resources
including health care, counselling and newcomer services .

Glossary
Consultation Workbook The Consultation Workbook is a seven page workbook designed for
individuals and groups to provide their input on how the City should
address older adult issues .
Elderly Persons Centres A centre that provides services to seniors and receives funding under
the Ontario Elderly Persons Centres Act .
Expert Panel A group of leaders and innovators in various fields related to seniors
care including health and mental health, home care providers, the
Ontario Senior’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term
Care, Toronto area LHINs, universities, funding agencies, school
boards, business, local hospitals and community agencies serving
seniors in Toronto .
Guide to Good Practice A strategic corporate statement for use by the City in order to
provide equitable service to individuals of all abilities . The guide was
developed in response to the Ombudsman’s 2010 report, A Duty to
Care .
Local Health Integration LHINs are not-for-profit corporations, mandated to fund, plan and
Networks (LHINs) integrate health care services in 14 regions across Ontario . There are
5 LHINs in Toronto: Toronto Central, Central, Central East, Central
West, and Mississauga-Halton .

Neighbourhood There are currently 140 neighbourhood planning areas . These areas
were developed in the mid-1990s by the Social Policy, Analysis &
Research Unit of the Social Development, Finance & Administration
division . The purpose of these areas is to provide government and
community agencies with a better understanding of socio-economic
trends at a consistent, meaningful level of geography . Neighbourhood
planning areas are based on standard Census geographies and are
therefore not intended to reflect historical neighbourhood boundaries .
Program Areas See ABCDs .
Secondary Suites A small market-rental unit that is typically located within a basement
or attic of a single-family home . They are usually a self-contained or
complete housing unit with a bathroom, kitchen, living facilities and
private entrance .
Senior Management Table of senior management staff from 17 ABCDs that provide
Steering Committee services for seniors or are relevant to seniors such as Transportation
Services, Toronto Public Health, Toronto Community Housing
Corporation and TTC . This group, led by the Executive Director, Social
Development, Finance and Administration, Chris Brillinger, oversaw
the development of the Strategy .

Glossary
Seniors Strategy Political subcommittee of the City’s Community Development

Subcommittee and Recreation Committee which is one of seven policy standing
committees of Council . The group is led by Councillor Josh Matlow
(Ward 22) . From 2011 to 2012, the group was also comprised of
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27) and Councillor Janet Davis
(Ward 32) . In 2013, the group was comprised of Councillor Josh
Matlow, Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25) and Councillor Ron
Moeser (Ward 44) .
Technical Working Group Table of program and policy staff from over 17 ABCDs that provide
services for seniors or are relevant to seniors . This group, led by
Policy Development Officer, Social Development, Finance and
Administration, Andrea Austen, project managed the development of
the Strategy .
Toronto Long-Term Care The Long Term Care Homes and Services division created a ranking
Homes A, B, C classified system for their homes to grade how close to meeting design
homes standards for accessibility each home is . The A category is for those
homes closest to meeting the design standards . B and C homes have
lower grades .
Toronto Seniors’ Forum Formal advisory body of City Council supported by City staff from
Social Development, Finance and Administration . This is the primary
consultation body responsible for providing voice to age-related
issues at the City .

Acknowledgements
Thank you to all those who participated in consultations across the City, and all those involved in
the development of this Strategy .
Seniors Strategy Subcommittee, Community Development & Recreation Committee
2011-2012 Councillors Josh Matlow (Chair), Janet Davis, Kristyn Wong-Tam

2013 Councillors Josh Matlow (Chair), Jaye Robinson, Ron Moeser
Project Management Team
Andrea Austen (Lead), Heath Priston, Wayne Chu, Fenicia Lewis-Dowlin, Alexandra Weiss (Intern)
Social Development, Finance & Administration
Senior Management Steering Committee and Technical Working Group

(City Agencies, Boards, Commissions, Corporations & Divisions)
Sean Gadon, Holly Penfound, Sarah Power Uzma Shakir, Bernita Lee
Affordable Housing Office Equity, Diversity and Human Rights
City Manager’s Office
Neil Evans, Anusha Sarvanandan
311 Toronto Kerri Voumvakis, Sally Yan
City Planning

Acknowledgements
Deputy Chief Cindy Nicholson, Eugene E . Jones Jr ., Hugh Lawson,

Commander Adam Thurston Keesha Bell, Tonika Morgan, Beatriz Tabak
Emergency Medical Services Toronto Community Housing Corporation
Reg Paul, Doreen Calvin, Jane Pyper, Paul Trumphour

Erin Mulcahey-Abbott Toronto Public Library
Long-Term Care Homes and Services
Jann Houston, Allie Lehmann
Janie Romoff, Cheryl MacDonald, Toronto Public Health
Vivian Magi-Thomson
Parks, Forestry and Recreation Deputy Chief Peter Sloly,
Staff Superintendent Tom Russell,
Casey Brendan, John Longarini Staff Sergeant Chris Boddy,
Revenue Services Police Constable Patricia Fleischmann
Toronto Police Service

Anne Longair, Alex Vamos,
Sonia Zyvatkauskas Mitch Stambler, Jacqueline Darwood,
Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Matt Hagg
Toronto Transit Commission
Chris Brillinger, Lydia Fitchko,
Andrea Austen, Heath Priston, Wayne Chu,

Elyse Parker, Janet Lo, Linda Swanston,
Fenicia Lewis-Dowlin
Negin Shamshiri
Social Development, Finance Transportation Services
& Administration
Tom McPherson
Wheel-Trans

Seniors Strategy Expert Panel
Guillermo Penalosa Charlotte Maher, Lorna Macgregor

8–80 Cities Care Watch
Joan Rocha, Xochil Amaya Seonag Macrae, Vonnie Barren

Alzheimer Society of Toronto Community Navigation and Access Program
Faith Malach Ryan Dyck

Baycrest Egale Canada
Maria Elias Debra Walko

Belmont House / Ontario Association of LOFT Community Services
Non-profit Homes and Services for Seniors
Jane Teasdale
Dr . Paula Gardner Mosaic Home Care Services & Community
Bridgepoint & Collaboratory for Research Resource Centre
& Innovation / School of Public Health,
University of Toronto Dr . Samir K . Sinha
Mount Sinai and the University Health
Dr . Laura Watts Network Hospitals
Canadian Centre for Elder Law/Elder
Concepts Dr . Tal Spalter
National Initiative for the Care of Elderly
Lori Holloway, Tatjana Radovanovic
Canadian Red Cross Sue Hesjedahl
Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario
Glenn Miller
Canadian Urban Institute

Acknowledgements
Douglas Melville, Tyler Fleming Donald Reid

Ombudsman for Banking Services and Toronto Catholic District School Board
Investments
Camille Orridge
Mary Hynes Toronto Central Local Health Integration
Older Women’s Network Network
Deborah Simon Dr . Lilian Wells

Ontario Community Support Association Toronto Council on Aging
Debbie Douglas Karen Falconer, Brian Nicholson

Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Toronto District School Board
Immigrants
Maria-Antonieta Smith, Richard Hudler
Norm Shulman Toronto Seniors’ Forum
Ontario Gerontology Association
JoAnne Doyle
Elizabeth Esteves, Mihaela Dumitrascu United Way of Canada
Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat
Sheila Neysmith, Associate Dean of Research
Maggie Bruneau, Shawn Brady University of Toronto
Providence Healthcare
Barbara Thomson
Kevin McLean Workplace Safety and Insurance Board /
Royal Canadian Legion (Ontario) Rotary Club of Toronto / Chair of the
Senior Citizens’ Committee of the Rotary
Dr . Antonio Bruno Scorsone Club of Toronto
The Good Neighbours Club

Toronto Seniors’ Forum
Sofronio Bautista Stella Pinnock

Terry O . Bautista Sham Sabherwal
Severino Centritto Carol Ruth Sahian
Frances Chapkin Surinder (Sam) Sikand
Dorothy Creaser Maria-Antonieta Smith (Co-Chair)
Naseema Dar Thamo Venayaga Ratnam
Mae Couzens Duffy Grace Wilson
Lynn Bruce Helwig Hong (Anna) Zhang
Sally Houston
Richard Hudler (Co-Chair) Staff Support
Robert Koil Tina Peach
Shirley Lucas Wayne Robinson
We would also like to acknowledge the partnership and dedication of Dr . Samir K . Sinha for his
considerable contribution to the development of The Toronto Seniors Strategy .

For more information on this Strategy and
ways that you can get involved, contact:
Andrea Austen
Policy Development Officer
Social Development, Finance & Administration Division, City of Toronto
14th Floor East Tower, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
416-392-5397 aausten@toronto .ca www .toronto .ca/seniors

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The Toronto Seniors Strategy

Towards an Age-Friendly City

Over the next decade, the number of seniors living in

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The Toronto Seniors Strategy has been developed to identify recommendations

The Toronto Seniors Strategy 3